Teaching in Japan
Although having some experience in a teaching or tutoring environment is an asset, it is not a requirement to being an ESL Teacher in Japan. To be a qualified applicant, though, you generally need a university degree, have a perfect command of the English language, a professional and pleasing demeanor, a desire to succeed at new challenges, an ability to adapt to a new environment, and the responsibility to fulfill the commitments of the job.
Teacher's Life in Japan
Japan is an engaging blend of old and new; it is a country that has thousand-year-old traditions, and yet is also on the leading edge of technology. You will see women in Kimonos talking on the most advanced cellular phones in the world and high speed trains whizzing smoothly past temples that pre-date the discovery of North America. It is an amazing and sometimes seemingly contradictory blend of ancient and modern.
For those who long for things from home, Japan offers more and more westernized services and products everyday. You will be able to watch American movies, buy English books, and eat in Western fast-food restaurants. There are supermarkets and department stores where you can buy clothes and food from around the world. While you may not be able to find the variety of Western items to which you are accustomed, with a little effort you can usually find what you desire. Twenty-four hour convenience stores are abundant in Japan with all - possibly even more - options than in convenience stores in other countries.
It is possible to survive and even flourish in Japan with little understanding of Japanese. In most situations, you can find someone with enough English to help you. Additionally, the Japanese staff at your school will always be willing to help you with particularly difficult problems where some Japanese is necessary. For example, you will receive help with banking or visiting a doctor, should you require it.
Many teachers come to Japan without any prior knowledge of the Japanese language. Most grasp at least the basics after a few months of immersion. In many cities, Japanese lessons are offered at the local community or international center, usually at a very reasonable price and in some cases free. There are some teachers who work very hard on their Japanese, and the results can be stunning. You will never have a better chance to learn a foreign language than by living in the country where it is spoken.
What to See & Do in Japan
Most people think that Japan is just one big city. Tokyo dominants our vision of Japan but it should be noted that there are incredibly lush forests, enormous mountains, peaceful seascapes, remote hotsprings and a serenity that will amaze you.
We are working on the top ten things to see and do when you are in Japan right now. Watch for it to come a little down the track.
Costs & Red Tape in Japan
Yes, Japan can be expensive but again, this is the Tokyo and big city complex that pervades. If you are smart with your money, you can stretch a shoestring budget to see and do a lot in Japan.
We are working on another article now that will help teachers and travellers in Japan to save a bit of money. More to come shortly.